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Should Vick Ballard start?

I have said since pre-season when he had the sick spin move, I think he will end up being our best back. Should the Colts continue to go with Donald Brown and hope he and the offensive line turn it around or give Vick Ballard a shot to prove he can play?

Re: Should Vick Ballard start?

Re: Should Vick Ballard start?

I'll be honest, I'm not sold on our running back corps. Much like in 1999 when we were in year 2 of the Manning rebuild, I sorta hope we land a high pick and get a stud RB like Edge was for us, and then use the rest of the picks and huge incoming cap space and free agency to bolster the line and defense. Brown is better suited as a change-of-pace lightning quick back to spot a stud workhorse back. Ballard... different style, but same qualities.

I'm really excited for next season lol.. that's not to say I'm not having fun watching this year, but next year is when we'll really start to see something.

Last edited by Kid Minneapolis; 09-18-2012 at 10:58 PM.

There are two types of quarterbacks in the league: Those whom over time, the league figures out ... and those who figure out the league.

Re: Should Vick Ballard start?

I'll be honest, I'm not sold on our running back corps. Much like in 1999 when we were in year 2 of the Manning rebuild, I sorta hope we land a high pick and get a stud RB like Edge was for us, and then use the rest of the picks and huge incoming cap space and free agency to bolster the line and defense. Brown is better suited as a change-of-pace lightning quick back to spot a stud workhorse back. Ballard... different style, but same qualities.

I'm really excited for next season lol.. that's not to say I'm not having fun watching this year, but next year is when we'll really start to see something.

See if it were me, I wouldn't take a running back in the first round. At all. Too many stud running backs have come from the later rounds or undrafted for me to want to draft one in the first round. Cornerstone offensive line talent, shutdown cornerback, or really any high level defensive player would be better uses for our first round pick, imo.

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Re: Should Vick Ballard start?

Could say the same thing for any position in football. Jeff Saturday was our starting center for over a decade, dude wasn't even drafted. There are outlying examples like that all over the place but that isn't the norm. Drafting a Tom Brady in the 6th round doesn't happen often. In fact, it happened once.

I generally believe the chances of finding a starter is higher in the first round.

Last edited by Kid Minneapolis; 09-18-2012 at 11:13 PM.

There are two types of quarterbacks in the league: Those whom over time, the league figures out ... and those who figure out the league.

Re: Should Vick Ballard start?

Not really though. Sure, every position has had it's late round gems, but not like running backs. Plus, with the way the game has evolved--the position just isn't as important. Workhouse running backs are increasingly rare in the league. Don't get me wrong--a solid running game would really help Luck and the team out, but I think beefing up the offensive line with a blue chipper would do wonders for both Luck and our running backs.

Re: Should Vick Ballard start?

Not really though. Sure, every position has had it's late round gems, but not like running backs. Plus, with the way the game has evolved--the position just isn't as important. Workhouse running backs are increasingly rare in the league. Don't get me wrong--a solid running game would really help Luck and the team out, but I think beefing up the offensive line with a blue chipper would do wonders for both Luck and our running backs.

To take your point a bit further, outside of the "special guys" most RB's are a dime a dozen. In fact, I would think that most of the starting RB's in the league were not first round draft picks. If you put most RB's behind a very strong offensive line and/or a system that capitalizes on their ability, then they will be successful. Our biggest need is O-Lineman hands down. If you put any of our RB's behind that line, then I think they can be successful at generating a ground game that is at least respectable.

For us to ultimately be successful we don't have to be the number one rushing team in the league; just a team that can run when it needs/wants to. That's more on the O-Line and not the RB.

Re: Should Vick Ballard start?

With the devaluation of the running back position, it might be wise -- if the right player is available -- to take a running back early. As the thought process continues to trend more to the 'dime a dozen' running back, a standout talent is more likely to be left on the board.

That said, I'd prefer an offensive lineman or defensive standout with the first-rounder. Barring a serious injury, those players will have far more shelf life ... and the Colts would get much more value out of their first-round pick, especially if the lineman can protect the franchise QB, too.

Re: Should Vick Ballard start?

With the devaluation of the running back position, it might be wise -- if the right player is available -- to take a running back early. As the thought process continues to trend more to the 'dime a dozen' running back, a standout talent is more likely to be left on the board.

That said, I'd prefer an offensive lineman or defensive standout with the first-rounder. Barring a serious injury, those players will have far more shelf life ... and the Colts would get much more value out of their first-round pick, especially if the lineman can protect the franchise QB, too.

Really I haven't given this much thought but if the Colts want a power game then they should draft and use the 2013 FA class to upgrade what they have at RT and guard.

Re: Should Vick Ballard start?

I like Brown, but his play is too sporadic to be the starter IMO. He is explosive in open space. I would like to see more screens and short passes to Brown, and hopefully he holds on unlike the Bears game.